The Reach Gallery Museum is going all out to welcome the public in celebration of its first 10 years. On Sunday September 30, 2018, from 1:00-4:00pm staff have planned a special afternoon of events for visitors of all ages inside The Reach at 32388 Veterans Way.
“The Reach has just turned 10, and we want to celebrate with the whole community! Come and enjoy delicious free birthday cake, take a Ten-Minute-Tour with one of our curators, get a bit messy and make crafts with your family, and find out more about what we offer our community year round. And of course, as usual, it’s all free!” says Laura Schneider, Executive Director of The Reach.
If you’ve never visited The Reach before, this is the perfect opportunity to check it out. Have a question about art or history you’ve always wanted to ask? This is your chance! Friendly curators Adrienne Fast and Kris Foulds will be on hand to provide overview tours of the exhibitions and answer your questions. “One of the advantages of an exhibition tour is that we’re able to point out things that might not be obvious when you’re in the exhibitions on your own, you know, the behind the scenes stuff” says Adrienne Fast, Curator of Art & Visual Culture. “One of my favourite parts of the job is being able to work directly with the public and share in their love of art.”
You’ll also learn fascinating facts about our community’s history with Kris Foulds, Curator of Historical Collections. “One of the most popular topics from Abbotsford’s history is the draining of the Sumas Lake,” explains Foulds, “a lot of people in Abbotsford don’t know that we used to be a lakefront community.”
The family-friendly Open House on September 30th also features make-and-take craft tables for the whole family. This is a cool opportunity for kids, and kids-at-heart to exercise their creative muscles and have a bit of fun with talented facilitators. You’ll also be invited to show your support for The Reach by participating in the unique 100 Days of The Reach fundraiser. Select a precious artifact from the extensive collection to sponsor and you’ll be entered in a draw to win exciting travel prizes.
A little history on The Reach:
The Reach opened in September 2008, and has grown into a hub of creative and cultural life in our community, and across the Fraser Valley. The Reach is enormously proud of the exhibitions, programs, and events that it has presented in its first decade. To date The Reach has welcomed nearly 250,000 visitors to 181 exhibitions and 1,200+ events and programs. Its efforts as a young organization have not gone unnoticed as The Reach has received awards for professional excellence in its sector at local, provincial, and national levels. Check us out at www.thereach.ca
Media contact for Open House:
Laura Schneider, Executive Director, The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford
lschneider@thereach.ca | 604-864-8087 x125